“In this edition of ‘Lost Legends,’ we focus on the Schiller Building, a historic tower in The Loop that was pivotal in Chicago’s cultural and architectural history. From its opening in 1892 to its controversial demolition in 1961, its story exhibits a familiar arc in this series: one of architectural innovation, cultural significance, loss, and reflection.
“Originally funded by prominent figures like Anton C. Hesing and designed by Adler & Sullivan, the 240-foot tower featured an ornate terra cotta facade with intricate ironwork, characteristic of the Chicago School architectural style. The building initially served as a venue for German-language operas and cultural events. In the late 1890s, after a shift in patronage, it transitioned to hosting a variety of touring stage shows. Its 1,300-seat theater underwent name changes, from the Dearborn Theater in 1898 to the Garrick Theater in 1903, and would host prominent figures to take the stage such Jane Addams, Eugene V. Debs, and Mae West.
“Not only was the building’s theater component significant, but its office usage on the upper floors was also notable. The structure served as an office space and hosted the Chicago Board of Education’s meetings in the 1890s. Key office tenants would include the architects Frank Lloyd Wright and Harry Bergen Wheelock.
“In the 1930s, the Garrick Theater was converted into a movie theater and later a television studio before resuming film screenings in 1957. The Schiller Building’s 1961 demolition, despite public opposition and efforts by preservationists like Richard Nickel, marked a turning point in Chicago’s approach to historical preservation. The outcry over its demolition and other historic structures at that time would culminate in the 1968 ordinance that significantly empowered the Commission on Chicago Historical and Architectural Landmarks with permit-review authority and the ability to impose design restrictions. Alongside his preservation efforts, Nickel’s photographic documentation of the building remains a valuable record of its design details and layout.
“The Schiller Building played many roles in its nearly 70-year history, ranging from an architectural marvel to a cultural and business hub for a broad range of important historical figures. Despite its abrupt ending, its final role would be as a flashpoint in Chicago’s shift towards architectural preservation.” (Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 11/28/23)
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- Lost Legends #1: The Chicago Federal Building In The Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 3/17/23
- Lost Legends #2: The Morrison Hotel In The Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 3/20/23
- Lost Legends #3: The WBKB Antennas In River North, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 3/25/23
- Lost Legends #4: Uncovering The History Of The Chicago And North Western Station, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 4/6/23
- Lost Legends #5: Grand Central Station In South Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 4/19/23
- Lost Legends #6: Original Prentice Women’s Hospital In Streeterville, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 5/5/23
- Lost Legends #7: Dearborn Station’s Pitched Roof, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 6/1/23
- Lost Legends #8: The Lake Shore Drive ‘S’ Curve Bottleneck, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 8/1/23
- Lost Legends #9: Chicago’s Illinois Central Station In South Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 8/13/23
- Lost Legends #10: The Masonic Temple Building In The Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 9/20/23
- Lost Legends #11: The Schiller Building In The Loop, Jack Crawford, Chicago YIMBY, 11/28/23